Chapter 378

The lunch spread was entirely homemade, yet lavish with various meats, fresh vegetables, and Reginald Sinclair's prized sake.

Dominic had discovered the old man's preferred brand through Evelyn. He'd made a special detour just to procure it.

After placing the rib stew on the table, Evelyn settled beside Dominic.

She ladled some stew into her grandfather's bowl. "Grandfather, I've been teaching myself from cookbooks. Taste it - I hope it meets your standards."

Most dishes were Reginald's favorites, with the remainder being Dominic's preferred selections.

Reginald clapped Dominic's shoulder while praising his granddaughter. "Isn't my Evelyn remarkable? Look at this feast - visually stunning and aromatic enough to make mouths water. You're fortunate to marry her. She's been this capable since childhood, though too kind-hearted for her own good. If anyone wrongs her, she won't retaliate. You'd better treat her right, Dominic!"

Having met Dominic several times, Reginald knew him as the CEO of a multinational corporation. Wealthy yet humble, the young man's respectful demeanor had won the elder's approval.

Yet concerns lingered.

His granddaughter came from modest means while Dominic hailed from privilege. Reginald feared becoming a burden and worried Evelyn might face condescension.

Dominic sat gracefully at the table, his athletic frame relaxed. While discreetly caressing Evelyn's delicate hand, he joked, "Don't worry, Grandfather. Evelyn outranks me in our household."

"She's the one who bullies me daily. Would I dare mistreat her? If anything, I worry I don't spoil her enough!"

"Good lad! Let's drink..."

Reginald's spirits soared. After several rounds, his cheeks flushed crimson with intoxication.

Evelyn swiftly confiscated his cup. "Grandfather, you know alcohol disagrees with you."

Reginald scowled. "I'm celebrating today! I know my limits - a few drinks won't fell me. I want to share more with my grandson-in-law."

Gwendolyn, who'd been serving the twins, frowned. "Father, remember your recent checkup? The doctor insisted you quit drinking. If you collapse, Evelyn will have to nurse you."

The old man slammed his cup down, expression darkening. "Fine! No more drinking! My grandson visits and I can't even share a proper toast?"

Evelyn sighed. Her grandfather's love for liquor remained his stubborn vice.

The twins gaped at their great-grandfather, food forgotten mid-chew.

His tantrum mirrored Reginald Blackwood's exactly!

The elder Blackwood's hypertension restricted his diet, particularly his beloved meats. When Dominic enforced these limits, similar outbursts ensued - much to the children's amusement.

Dominic had mastered handling temperamental elders after managing Reginald Blackwood. The Sinclair patriarch merely resembled an oversized child.

Setting his cup aside elegantly, Dominic smiled. "I drank with a client earlier. This sake's potency overwhelms me. Perhaps another time? Incidentally, my grandfather keeps exquisite red wines in his cellar - flavorful and health-conscious. You could finish an entire bottle without consequence. Unfortunately, I rushed here today and forgot to bring some. Next visit, we'll share a bottle properly. Agreed?"

Reginald's mood improved instantly.

At the promise of future libations, his eyes sparkled. "Next time then - we'll drink properly!"

The meal continued merrily.

Dominic balanced conversing with Reginald while fielding Gwendolyn's probing questions with ease.

Though typically reserved with strangers, Dominic found Reginald's gentle warmth irresistible. This familial atmosphere, so unlike Blackwood Manor's formality, made him crave belonging.

He piled Evelyn's plate high with selections.

"You're too slender, darling. Eat more..." His gaze overflowed with adoration.

The gesture flowed naturally, as if performed countless times.

Both Reginald and Gwendolyn observed closely.

The elder Sinclair recognized genuine devotion in Dominic's treatment of his granddaughter.

Gwendolyn had worried the wealthy man might be temporarily infatuated. Yet Dominic's table behavior confirmed sincere affection.

Still, she remained cautious. Men's love proved fickle - her own husband had once adored her extravagantly before abandoning her completely despite desperate pleas...

She prayed her gentle niece wouldn't suffer similarly.

Post-lunch, Evelyn and Gwendolyn cleaned while Dominic played chess with Reginald.

They stayed for dinner and overnight.

Despite their generational gap, Dominic charmed the elder completely. Even skeptical Gwendolyn eventually conceded he was Evelyn's perfect match.

Morning brought obligations - Dominic to his office, Evelyn to Olivia's hospital care.

Reginald hated seeing them leave but understood their responsibilities. He bid them farewell at the door.

Before departure, Reginald pressed a red envelope into Dominic's hand. "Our family tradition - a grandfather's blessing for his grandson-in-law. You must accept this..."

Dominic froze.

In his corporate career, he'd interacted exclusively with society's elite - greedy, flattering, manipulative individuals all seeking his wealth. He'd given fortunes to such people.

This marked the first time someone offered him money...